The Duluth News Tribune in Duluth, MN has a heart-rending story in yesterday's paper about a Gulf War and Afghanistan veteran who became homeless because of severe symptoms of PTSD. On the surface, the story is about Kevan Boman, 52, a decorated veteran, who "walked out on his former home and family several years ago as he struggled with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder." Earlier, before PTSD, Bowman "had a family, a house and a good job - until his mind was overwhelmed by the guilt and shame from post-traumatic stress disorder, and he walked out on it all." In the larger sense, though, the story is about homelessness among veterans, which is significant. It's estimated that nearly one quarter of homeless are veterans. Says the article, in brief:
On any given night, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are about 200,000 homeless veterans across the country, and about 400,000 veterans experience homelessness over the course of a year. About 97 percent of them are male, and they account for 23 percent of the total homeless population. Using a VA formula, it’s estimated there are well over 100 homeless veterans in Duluth. There’s no easy answer to why there are so many homeless veterans, though 45 percent suffer from mental health problems and substance abuse.
“Some people develop alcohol abuse or dependence as they try to treat themselves,” said Dr. Ira Katz, the VA’s national chief consultant for mental health. “Then the two conditions together can lead to difficulties with work and social relationships that could lead, in turn, to unemployment, separation or divorce, and homelessness.”
NOTE: the Duluth paper is subscription only on the web, so you may have to register to find the link to the story. The original title is, "Walking Wounded: Duluth Veteran's Life Shattered by PTSD." The byline is Brandon Stahl.
